“I believe in Santa Claus again”

When Danette Meola’s parents died three weeks apart in 2006, she lost some of her holiday spirit.

But after a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus Thursday night, her faith and Christmas cheer have been restored.

“Honestly, I believe in Santa Claus again,” the 44-year-old mother of two said.
Santa, who bears a strong resemblance to Ed View Jr. of Mohawk, travels around the area visiting homes and children during the Christmas season.

Today, Santa will be going to eight homes with Diane O’Donnell, director of communications for the American Red Cross Mohawk Valley Chapter. At each stop, parents will make a donation to the Red Cross, and Santa will spend time with the children.

“It’s a fun thing to do, and it’s his way of giving back to the Red Cross,” O’Donnell said.

Santa said he tries to spread holiday cheer and explain what the true meaning of “ho, ho, ho” is.

“The ‘H’ stands for help and ‘O’ stands for others,” he said.

Santa said he loves making the holidays a little better for other people.

“I love it,” he said. “I’m a 62-year-old kid.”

Meola said Santa’s visit meant so much to her family.

Santa sat in an oversized maroon recliner in the Meola living room, next to the fireplace. Meola’s children, Kayla Maxam, 7, and Joseph Maxam, 1, and some of Kayla’s friends sat around Santa on the floor while he told stories.

“Every once in a while he just broke out into a Christmas carol,” she said. “It was magical.”

Meola said she can’t remember the point when she stopped believing in Santa, but she will certainly always remember the night she rediscovered her faith in him.

“He just brightened up the holidays for us more than he can imagine,” she said.